Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI) Services

Need accurate, fast defect detection in ferrous components? Elements Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI) services offer expert evaluation of defect origins and causes. With on-site and lab testing, portable equipment, and industry-leading approvals, we help you maintain compliance, minimize delays, and ensure quality—wherever you need testing.

MPI Testing - Magnetic Particle expert performing an MPI test.
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What is Magnetic Particle Inspection at Element?

MPI (also known as MPT, magnetic particle testing) is a non-destructive testing method that detects surface and near-surface discontinuities in ferrous materials by creating a magnetic field and applying iron particles to identify defects. Our experts determine both the origin and cause of defects, providing precise evaluations critical for quality assurance.

At Element, we provide comprehensive MPI services both on-site and in our state-of-the-art laboratories, using advanced equipment and expert analysis to ensure your components meet the highest quality standards.

Element testing specialist examining precision measurement equipment for materials analysis

What Can Element Offer You for Magnetic Particle Inspection?

Key Tests Offered

Our expert inspectors evaluate surface and near-surface discontinuities, determining both the origin and cause of defects. We provide detailed analysis of flaw characteristics, helping you understand the implications for your components' integrity and performance.

Components And Products We Test

We test virtually any ferrous material containing iron, nickel, cobalt, and their alloys. Our facilities accommodate components up to 12,000 pounds and 144 inches in length, ensuring comprehensive testing regardless of your component size or complexity.

Methods And Solutions Offered

We offer both wet and dry testing methods, adapting our approach to your specific needs. Our multi-directional testing capabilities ensure thorough inspection coverage, while our flexible service delivery includes both laboratory and on-site testing options.

Cutting-Edge Equipment We Use

  • Magna-tech GB 3568A: A multi-directional stationary mag machine featuring a 100-inch bed, 12,000-pound capacity, and advanced inspection capabilities. Reduces handling requirements, decreasing lead times and increasing productivity. 
  • Magnaflux ARQ-1446: 144-inch bed capacity, designed for exceptionally long specimens. 
  • Portable hand-held yokes, prods, and cables: Allow for on-site inspections of larger and more complex components. 

Standards we test to and materials we test

These are our most prevalent requests. Don't see what you're looking for? Contact us!

American Metal Society  

  • AMS 2300 
  • AMS2301 
  • AMS 2303 
  • AMS 2442 
  • AMS 2640 

American Petroleum Institute 

  • API 1104 

American Society of Mechanical Engineers 

  • ASME Section V 
  • ASME Section VIII 
  • ANSI/ASME B31.3 

American Society for Non-Destructive Testing 

  • NDT 2 
  • NDT 3 

ASTM International 

  • ASTM A275 
  • ASTM E45 (Method A) 
  • ASTM E709 
  • ASTM E1444 

American Welding Society 

  • AWS D1.1 

Deutsches Institut fur Normung E.V. 

  • DIN EN 10228-1 
  • DIN EN 1369 
  • DIN EN ISO 10893-5 
  • DIN EN ISO 17638 
  • DIN EN ISO 9934-1 
  • EN 1369 
  • EN ISO 9934-1 

Military Specification 

  • MIL-I-6868 
  • MIL-STD-1907 
  • MIL-STD-1949 
  • MIL-STD-271 
  • MIL-STD-68E 

National Aerospace Standard 

  • NAS410 

Society of Automotive Engineers 

  • SAE J420 

Various Customer Approvals 

  • Boeing 
  • Bombardier 
  • Douglas 
  • Eaton 
  • GE 
  • Hamilton Sunstrand 
  • Honeywell 
  • Lockheed Martin 
  • Northrop Grumman 
  • Rolls Royce 
  • Sikorsky 

Your Challenges, Our Solutions

Checklist

Ensuring Reliable Defect Detection

Our highly trained inspectors use advanced MPI techniques to detect and analyze discontinuities with precision and reliability, ensuring your components meet critical industry standards.
Checklist

Minimizing Inspection Delays

Testing can slow production cycles and create bottlenecks. Our on-site and laboratory MPI services, combined with high-capacity equipment, streamline inspections to reduce downtime and keep your operations moving efficiently.
Checklist

Testing Large or Complex Components

Not all components fit standard testing setups. Our portable MPI equipment, including hand-held yokes, prods, and cables, allows us to perform on-site inspections for oversized or hard-to-move parts, ensuring complete coverage without disrupting workflows.
Checklist

Meeting Compliance and Certification Needs

Navigating industry regulations can be challenging. We test to multiple global standards (ASTM, ASME, API, etc.) and hold approvals from major aerospace, oil & gas, and manufacturing organizations, providing the documentation you need to stay compliant.

Why Choose Element?

Element materials testing engineer operating precision measurement equipment for quality analysis

Advanced Testing Equipment

Our state-of-the-art Magna-tech GB 3568A delivers fast, efficient MPI testing.

Global Expertise

Access full-service NDT laboratories and on-site testing worldwide.

Industry-Leading Approvals

Certified by Boeing, Rolls Royce, Lockheed Martin, and API standards.

Expert Defect Analysis

Our inspectors don’t just find defects—they determine their origin and cause, helping you prevent future failures.

5,500+
Amps

Highest contact amperage capacity for thorough testing.

12,000lbs
Maximum component weight capacity.

144 inches
Longest specimen bed length available.

50%
faster

Inspection time reduction with advanced equipment.
Element non-destructive testing specialist using advanced inspection equipment with laser technology

Frequently asked questions

What types of defects can MPI detect?

MPI detects both surface and near-surface discontinuities in ferrous materials. When a magnetic field is applied, ferrous particles gather around flaws to form visible "indications" that our experts evaluate.

Do you offer on-site testing?

Yes, we provide both laboratory and on-site testing using portable hand-held yokes, prods and cables for larger components.

How does magnetic particle inspection work?

The process involves electrically charging your component to create a magnetic field, then applying ferrous iron particles either dry or in wet suspension. If defects are present, particles gather around the flaw creating visible "indications" that our experts analyze to determine characteristics and cause.

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Speak to our team of experts

AMERICAS

Toll free from US lines

+1 888 786 7555

EUROPE

Contact our Central Team
UK

Freephone from UK

+44 808 234 1667

Germany

Freephone from Germany 

+49 800 000 5137

MIDDLE EAST

Toll free from UAE

+971 800 353 6368